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^ BUFFALO : 

UEPUBLIC 8TKAM PRESSES, 182 WASniNQTON STREET, 
1860. 



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A. VISIT A^2 0/^^ 



SUNNYSIDE 



IN THE LIFE TIME OF THE 



"FATHER OF AMERICAN LITERATURE," 



BY A CORRESrONDING MEMBER OF 



NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 



AND FORMERLY CHAPLAIN OF THE SENATE OF. NEW YORK, &C. 



HIC ATJCTOR EST PROPRIETAS OMNIUM GENTIUM. 






^ BUFFALO: "**--- 

HBPUBLIC STEAM TRESSES, 182 WASUINQTOX STREET, BUFFALO. 



1860. 



Entered according to Aci of Congress, in the year ItfiO, 

BY ASAHEL DAVIS, 

In the Clerk-s Office of the District Court of the U. Slates of tlie Northern District of N. York. 



A YISIT TO SUNNYSIDE 



The sun just rising on the path of the benighted traveler, is 
not more grateful than the light of knowledge to the darkened 
mind. It is vain to say we cannot stop in our pursuit "to make 
money" for a draught at the pure fountain of wisdom. For 
what would the treasures of "either Ind" avail unless guarded 
by the barriers that intelligence rears. Place the rich man 
amid the haunts of the barbarian, and how soon would all he 
held most dear be scattered to the four winds of heaven ? All 
then who confess that "wisdom is the stability of our times," 
will cheerfully look into the "Home" of one, who, as a miscel- 
laneous writer was the most refulgent luminary of any age. 

If under a dark dispensation, Cornelia, the mother of the 
Gracchi, in presenting her sons could Fay, "these are my jewels," 
how much more reason has America to exhibit to the world in 
exultation those distinguished authors, whose productions are 
imbued with the spirit of Christianity. Among such, Irving 
is the most conspicuous, and as he began his labors mainly in 
England, our Father Land, justly deserves a portion of his 
merited fame. All enlightened nations delight to do him re- 
verence. Wherever his writings have been read, the pulse of 
humanity beats in response to the fascinations of his diversified 
style. All classes who can appreciate worth in Vriting, rejoice 
in surveying the treasures the deep and pure fountain of his 
thoughts displays. 

Anything relating to Washington Irving is interesting to 
thinking minds of all professions. 



The needle does not more naturally vibrate to the pole than 
mankind desire tu pay their devotions at the shrine of those 
once eoiispiciioiis in tlie various departments of life. Hence? 
tiie zeal, though misguided, to visit the birth and burial place 
of Mohammed, fis well as tiie romantic banks of Avon, where 
once nature's great poet sang. 

Long were we anxious to pay our respects to the Father of 
American Literature. Early one morning some years since, and 
wliile the sun ushered in one of the most lovely days of the year, 
we walked from Sing Slug to Tarrytown. 

IIow enchanting the scenery along the banks of the Hudson. 
There nature, taste and wealth combine to perfect the beauty 
of the landscape. 

The charms of this region also, are heightened from the 
many histoi-ic associations that cluster along the scene. 

To the tourist, the banks of the Hhine are visited in anticipa- 
tion of much delight Irom gazing on the castellated summits, 
hoary with age, but he finds that they have lost that freshness 
that greets the eye while surveying the lofty eminences covered 
with every variety of ti-ees, the crystal cascades, the verdant 
lawns, the splendid mansions encircled with gardens, rej^lete 
with all the varieties that the vegetable and floral kingdoms 
afford, as displayed along the bank of this noble stream. 

If the Moors fancied Valencia, on account of its prominent 
beauty, was immediately under Heaven, who would not indulge 
as well a grounded supposition in favor of its locality over the 
scenery in this quarter^ 

As Cicero retired for study to his suburban villa Tusculum, 
so a galaxy of our citizens, distinguished as statesmen, artists, 
and literary men, have selected some of the most romantic spots 
along this grand stream to spend the remnant of their days, 
cimi dlgnitate 'et otio^ with dignity and ease. 

Among such are Lindenwold, Cedar Lawn, Idlewild, &c. 

How majestic rise those battlements called the Palisades. — 
Tiiese lofty columns of the traj) rock seem to spring up as if to 
guard the stream from any of those fluctuations, which, like the 



one at the Highlands, as supposed broke through the rocky 
ramparts, and rushed on as now in a new channel to the ocean. 
If the Germans, in reverence for the Hhine, call it Father or 
King Ehine, what shall we call the Hudson 'i We will call it, 
as Mr. Irving said it ever was to him, the "Eiver of Delight." 

If variety of scenery constitutes beauty, this characteristic is 
seen here on a large scale. Its night scenes, with stars setting 
behind the mountains, are most captivating. 

If the poet Goethe, to give inspiration to his genius, filled his 
study with attractive specimens in art, so the beautiful and sub- 
lime objects in this vicinity, must inspire those writers who have 
chosen as their homes the banks of the Hudson, with fresh and 
profound thoughts. 

One of the most interesting objects that attracted our notice 
in the suburbs of the north of Tarry town, was the little Dutch 
Church. This edifice has been rendered famous, not only from 
the fact that in its consecrated walls Andre was incarcerated, 
as well as its being in the locality where the genius of Irving 
portrayed tlie exploits of ''Ichabod Crane." Here was "Sleepy 
Hollow." This spot ever "breathed forth an atmosphere of 
dreams and fancies, infecting all the land." 

Here are landmarks also of our countries history, that will 
never fade away from the discerning eye. 

How soon did the bright visions of this young officer, who 
held a high place in the respect and affections of his country- 
men, vanish after he had left Arnold at West Point ! 

As he left the quarters of one who had betrayed the interests 
of his country, in agreeing to surrender that important post, the 
key to the North, to the British, he moved on as with wings of 
hope to the South, little apprehending that his plot would soon 
be revealed by his rustic captors. 

But who has not, like Washington, dropped a silent tear over 
the fate of one thus deluded and cut off in the morning of life ? 
But we rejoice that the spirit of animosity that led to a fatal 
contest between parent and child, has died away under the in- 



Huence of that spirit of amity that now characterizes both nations. 

Were it not for the intervening eroinence at Piermont, on the 
other side of Tappan Sea, 3^011 could see the place at old Tap- 
pantown, where Major Andre was hung. 

Some years since the roots of a tree, that grew down into his 
coffin, were made into trinkets and sold. 

The Dutch Church beside a silver sheet of water, and amid 
many rural objects, opens its charms as fresh to the observer as 
the modest flower sjDringing up in the forest. 

But what a perversion of taste in architecture, is the addition 
of its Portico of the Doric order. It reminds us of what we 
once saw in Bridgeport, Ct. The Portico of the Church was of 
the Doric order, but the capitals of its stately pillars were Ionic ! 
This house was erected by ''Yredryck Flypsen, (Fredei'ick 
Philips,) and Catherine, his wife, 1699. The ancient Commu- 
nion Table, imported from Holland, graces the interior. On 
the bell is inscnhed^ Si Dens, P^^o NoUs Qui Contra Nos. 1638." 

Truly, the divine favor has been specially extended to tlie 
Hollanders since they first settled on this river. 

The next object of deep interest that won our notice, was 
the brook where Andre stopped to water his horse, at the time 
he was taken and held as a spy by the patriotic Paulding, Yan 
Wart and Williams. 

The rights of invaded Greece were often bought by Persian 
gold, but not so in this case. These men, true to the weal of 
their country, would not thus sell it for all the treasures and 
honors their captive promised them, if they would only let him 
pass on to the royal camp in New York. 

Other landmarks of our country's history at that period, 
which "tried men's souls," may be effaced by the ravages of 
time, but tliis stream will remain to warble the patriots story, 
and the deed of one rendered dark, as contrary to honorable 
warfjxre, as long as the vapors and clouds of Heaven supply its 
source. 

*If ('rod he for us, who ran 1)e against us. 



And here began the severest of Ichabods' trials in crossing 
the log bridge over this stream. He was on his way from the 
quilting at Yan Tassels, the home of his blooming Katrina, 
and on his course to "Sleepy Hollow." Yes, as Irving says, it 
was at this identical spot that the unfortunate Andre was cap- 
tured, and under the covert of those chestnuts and vines, were 
the sturdy yoemen concealed who surprised him. This has ever 
since been considered a haunted stream, and fearful are the 
feelings of the schoolboy who has to pass it after dark. Alas ! 
on reaching this fatal stream, the terminus of Andre's fond 
hopes, in despair, well did he exclaim in the spirit of doomed 
Richard HI, — '' All I possess for a pass." 

The bustling village of Tarrytown is more remarkable for the 
beauty of its locality than for the euphony of its name. Mr. 
Irving says, "there is a story in olden time that its name was 
given to it by the good housewives of the adjacent country, 
from the inveterate propensity of their liusbands to linger about 
the village tavern on market days. 

After spending a short time in Tarrytown, we hastened on 
South two miles, inspired with the pleasing desire to see one of 
IN'ature's great noblemen. 

Sunnyside is about 23 miles north of New York, on the east 
side of the river. 

It is said of Juno, that after wandering over her boundless 
realms, she found no place so delightful as Carthage. And 
here she fixed her chariot, — "Hie currus fuit." So with Irving, 
after having traveled over the most attractive portions of 
Europe, found no place as desirable for his future home as amid 
the scenes of his younger days. Well might he exclaim with 
Ulysses when speaking of his kingdom of Ithica. 

"And none, ab I none so lovely to ray sight, 

Of all the hinds that heaven o'erspread with light." 

What virtuous mind does not love the country ? There we 
see the attributes of Diety reflected from every object. And well 
might the devout Fenelon exclaim, " O my God, he who sees 
thee not in thy works has never seen anything !" 



8 

Who, that witnesses the eharras of the opening year in the 
country, can prefer the dull monotony of the city ? In the for- 
mer the forest enlivened by " the birds that sing among the 
branches," the wild flowers that unfold their many colored pe- 
tals to the prolific sun, as well as the broad fields presenting 
the promise of a luxurient harvest, all conspire to perfect the 
scene. New prospects as the year advances, cheer the eye of 
all who love to enkindle their devotion at the altar of Nature. 

The exercises of the country also are as promotive of health 
as of the increase of intellectual joys. 

As Irving himself says, "As the leaves of trees are said to 
absorb all noxious qualities of the air, and to breathe forth a 
purer atmosphere, so it seems to me as if they drew from us all 
sordid and angry passions, and breathed forth peace and 
philanthropy." 

We found Mr. Irving alone. His nieces who were his in- 
valual^le housekeepers, he said had just gone to tlie city. His 
favorite brother Ebenezer and his daughters, from whom fortune 
had fled, were gladly welcomed to the home of one as conspi- 
cuous for deeds of kindness as lor his literary fame, 

He ever found "in blessing blessed." 

The fresh and brilliant glow of the kindly feelings imparted 
to his writings, is what renders them so universally captivating. 
Were they the phlegmatic productions of the Stoic, they would 
never amuse. 

A cloud of gloom hangs over the writings of Milton, from 
the influence of that association of ideas that has such a power- 
ful effect on the mind to please or otherwise. He said hatred 
towards a wife was sufficient cause for a divorce. St. Paul en- 
joins husbands to love their wives. If he did not obey this in- 
junction, how can we think he knew anything by experience of 
the social joys so vividly portrayed in Eden. 

Irving was once poor from the adverse fluctuations of busi- 
ness, but he soon recovered his fortunes by the magic influence 
of his pen. Then he could not be happy in the possession and 
use of his wealth alone. He gladly heightened his own joys by 



inviting others less favored by the good things of this world, to 
share in their abundance. 

How different the course of too many who are the mere 
turnkeys to their own palaces. They keep their property hoar- 
ded up and grasping it till at death, they can hold it no longer. 
Then they donate largely to some institution or relatives, and 
are lieralded through the land for their charitable deeds. True 
benevolence is to give, like Irving in the day of health, and 
then, indeed, the giver sees the benefits he confers reflected up- 
on his own heart, in warm and invigorating rays from the ob- 
jects of liis kindness. 

In the flaming mine, there is no counterfeit coin. The situ ot 
the ore is the locality where to fii.d its genuineness, so it is with 
the character of men, if you wish to know this in its true pha- 
ses, you must visit the fire sides of those called good and great^ 

As to Irving, although we had been captivated for years with 
the brilliancy of his style in writing, as well as with the infor- 
mation imparted by his historical works, yet we never saw his 
''great greatness," till we visited him in his rural home. He was 
as liumble as a child, and as sociable as a brother, and such 
we found other great men, p.s Prescott and Audubon. Such men 
we can but love and respect. 

The sayings of the wise and good, we instinctively treasure 
up as gems of rare value. We introduce several writers as they 
so much resemble Irving in displaying the graces of Christianity. 

Our interview with Mr. Prescott was extremely pleasant. — 
At the time we saw him, he gave us his Autograph and remark- 
ed that then he wi'ote as with half' cm eye ! He showed us his 
large Spanish MS., written legibly and without interlineations. 
For this rare volume he gave $150 ! He said, formerly in Spain, 
strangers could not have access to libraries, but now they were 
open to all. Before we left, he said, on the top shelf of his li- 
brary were objects worthy of notice. There lay in peaceful 
attitude, two swords, one mounted with silver, the other with 
brass, we think, and both as bright as the stars. One he said 



10 

was used at the battle of "Buoker Hill," by his grandfather, and 
the other by his wife's grandfather. The latter commanded a 
British vessel lying in the Mystic Kivor. And he exclaimed, 
and while the cannon were roaring commemorative of the event, 
this day is the anniversary of the battle ! We were in Boston. 
The celebration was at Bunker Hill. Such was the wonderful 
chapter of coincidences presented in the library of one called 
by Humboldt, the greatest historian in the world. 

The remark of the illustrious Audubon evinces the great in- 
fluence of Icindness on those who could not be driven from the 
Everglades of Florida by an armed troop. Mr. Audubon said 
that during the Florida war, that his proper treatment of the 
indians would give him a safe pass any where among them. — 
And that they were ever ready to throw at his feet, more game 
than he could use. The greatest Lexicographer of any age, obser- 
ved to us, that on visiting Washington, very many Members of 
Congress confessed that he had been their teacher. Generations 
yet to come will rise up and call such men as those above 
blessed. 

Although we are very fond of seeing houses built in the clas- 
sic styles of architecture, yet, we confess, there is a fascination 
in the unique style of the old Dutch buildings, that renders them 
highly grateliil to tlie eye. And such must have been the pre- 
dilection of one whose towering genius throws our acquirements 
in the shade, as seen in his love for this peculiar mode of build- 
ing. 

In looking at his cottage, with acute angular roofs, we asked 
diim what was its style of architecture. He briefly answered he 
thought it was 2^ j^erversion of the Gothic. 

How lovely the sight of wild flowers hid amid the dense un- 
derbrush of the forest, and so we find this little cottage in the 
midst of trees, shrubs and flowers of all hues. Nature seems to 
hold a holiday in gathering her varied productions to perfect 
the scenery around the imique mansion. But the presiding 
genius had attractions far greater than art or nature could 
aflbrd. 

We heard that Mr. Irving was reserved and diffident, but in 



11 

private, we saw none of these hindrances to the expansion of 
his social feelings. His only object was to gratify the curiosity 
of one who came from pure motives. It is said the great Spoiler 
of Europe fawned around mothers, that he thereby might in- 
duce them to use their influence with their sons in his behalf. 
But Irving was no sycophant, and those who never saw him may 
be assured they see his amiable character in his works. Like 
all great men, he was plain in his dress. 

On visiting Mt. Yernon, we found it necessary to have various 
cicerones. An old black man conducted us through the garden 
and green house. A young mulatto woman took us to the tomb 
of Washington, and a very old colored woman led us through 
the mansion ; but not so at the "Eoost." Its proprietor lost 
none of his dignity in showing us what was extremely attrac- 
tive. 

The many gables were adorned with weathercocks. The first 
we noticed was that on the South. It was an image of the 
proud courser. One that once stood in serial height on the 
Yander Hey den Palace, Albany.* 

We marvel not that he should have rescued irom oblivion, 
this striking relic from this once conspicuous mansion, with two 
gable ends of acute angles, one he so conspicuously describes. 
It was erected 1728, and demolished in 1833. His house at 
Sannyside is of the style of those named in his history by 
"Diedrich Knickerbocker," with the exception that the former 
was stuccoed in white, we presume on stone. He remarks, the 
houses of the higher classes were generally constructed of wood, 
excepting the gable end, which was of small black and yellow 
Dutch bricks, and always faced on the streets. The date of the 
erection was curiously designated by iron figures on the front, 
and on the top of the roof was perched a fierce little weather- 
cock, to let the family into the important secret which way the 



* We formerly attended funerals at this venerable house, staiidinp where now rises in splenttor 
the Baptist Church, North Pearl street, and when it was custonmry to receive old and choice 
wines, scarfs and gloves on snch occasions. The wealthy burghers kept wines a long number 
of years, in anticipation of their death ! 



12 

wind blew ; the most staunch and loyal citizens, liowever, al- 
ways went according to the weathercock on the top of the Gov. 
ernor^s house, which was certainly the most correct, as he had a 
trusty servant employed every morning to climb up and point 
it which ever way the wind blew." 

But the most striking of this class, and one of bird form, was 
that which once proudly plumed his burnished wings on the 
" Stadt House," in the days of Petrus Stuy vesant. U his was 
the first house of the kind built in what is now the " Empire 
State." It stood on tlie west side of Pearl street, at the head 
of Coventies Slip, ISTew York. 

This rare relic was sent by the ladies as a present to Mr. 
Irving. They were 23robably aware that he wished to have things 
around him in keeping with his antiquated house, and the style 
of his history of "E"ieuw Nederlandts." He told us that this 
heavy emblem of the fashion of other times had blown down 
from its perch, but that it should again resume its former posi- 
tion. As knights of yore kept their trophies in Baronial Halls, 
so this was exhibited in his parlor ; but whether it ever again 
attained the honor of facing the winds, we know not, but this we 
do hiow^ that he ultimately gave it to the St. Nicholas Society, 
New York. 

It traveled from city to city, as did the hronze horses of Con- 
stantinople, but it was sent by very different motives, by those 
who controled its movements. 

This distinguished association, guu'd this precious gift as 
closely from harm as did the ancient Trojans their coelestial 
Palladium. It is held secure from profane touch as in the very 
adytum of their archives. 

Among the various lectures we gave in New York, none, 
perhaps, received the attention of that on the ''Times of the 
Dutch Governors." Then one of the Stuy vesant family kindly 
sent to us, for exhibition to a large and highly respectable audi- 
ence, a^^crt?' preserved in a jar, that grew on the tree in 3rd 
Avenue, New York, planted over 200 yeai-s since, by Gov. 



13 

Stuyvesant, but some of the officers of St. Nicholas Society 
were unwilling to loan the above relic for the occasion. This 
tree at last account was in bearing condition. 

Why is it tliat we have such a veneration for mementoes of 
earlier days? We are delighted in wandering over the ocean 
prairies where all things appear as fresh and fair as in the 
" woild's first spring ;" but we feel a deeper interest in survey, 
ing the mounds that tell of intelligent races w^ho lived West 
when time was young. So such relics as we saw at Sun- 
nyside, leave a more powerlul influence on the mind, than all 
other objects of more recent date. And such is the impression, 
antiquities have on the mind that the most gifted intellects of 
either continent, are engaged in Ethnological studies. 

Henry Clay stated to the Senate of the United States, that 
he had a broken vessel, a gol)let once used by Washington, and 
which he valued above price. 

Our readers will excuse the digression, wlien we state we 
have before us a jjiece of the arch under which Washington 
marched on his way to be inaugurated as President, in New 
York, 1789. At the time we were in Trenton city, the relict of 
Eev. W. Armstrong, Chaplain to Washington, lived in the city. 
She was one of the matrons on that occasion ; and among the 
young ladies who strewed the patli of the hero with flowers, is 
one hereby announced. 

Mrs. Mary Chesnut, mother of the Senator from South Caro- 
lina, has been appointed Vice Regent of the Mount Yernon 
Association of that State. She is eighty-five years of age, and 
had a personal acquaintance with General Washington. In 
the spring of 1789, Washington visited Trenton, and was re- 
ceived with the most enthusiastic demonstrations by the people, 
especially by the ladies. A "triumphal arch" was erected on 
the bridge over the Assanpink creek, at the entrance of which 
the young girls strewed flowers before him and sang a song of 
welcome. One of those girls is now Mrs. Chestnut. 



14 

Irving's fondness ior the antique was seen, not only in tho 
objects scattered around "Wolfert's Roost," but in his vivid and 
picturesque description of the ruins of the Alhambra. How 
fascinating the scenes in the plain of Yega. There the beauti- 
ful vale, watered by the Darro, and all the rich variety of vale 
and mountain that surrounds Grenada, render it an earthly 
paradise. But his description is most fascinating, of the splen- 
did remains of Moorish architecture ; buildings with mosaic 
cupolas, gorgeously painted in gold and azure, basins of marble, 
the alabaster vase, supported by lions, dry and dusty fountains 
that had once thrown up sparkling showers, marble urns, mu- 
tilated statues, overturned and buried among weeds and wild 
flowers. 

As even the shattered oak adds interest to the wide land- 
scape, so many of his most beautiful scenes are rendered more 
attractive by the sombre tints drawn from the ravages of time. 
Yes, and to this lover of history, the few faint rays of light that 
glimmer in the night of early ages, were more attractive than 
the most fascinating effulgence shed over the writings of mis- 
oruided ffenius. 

We may say of Irving, as a distinguished tourist says of Sir 
Walter Scott, by his pen "he illuminated every place which he 
touched, in a word he made alive every object he discribed, 
and his genius has given life to all these memorials of departed 
centuries." 

And well does this writer remark, to pass by Melrose Abbey, 
and the house of Scott, at Abbotsford, would be like a traveler 
going from Rochester to Buffalo, without turning aside to look 
at Niagara. Who then would pass by unnoticed, a spot equally 
interesting — that where Irving lived ? 

Over the mantel, was a painting of deep interest, and one he 
obtained in England, of a young artist, for a few guineas. It 
represented Gov. Stuyvesant, with his gallant force of 700 men, 
in the midst of that battle, when, in 1655, he drove away the 
Swedes from the shores of South or Delaware River. 



15 

How delighted was Mr. Irving to find unexpectedly in a for- 
eign land, an artistic display on canvass, of a scene be so face- 
tiously describes. 

If music " batb charms to tame the savage heart," it inspires 
the warrior with increased courage and vigor on the embattled 
field. So thought the Governor's intrepid trumpeter, Anthony 
Van Corlear, on this occasion ; for near his '^Magnus Appollo," 
he stands blowing his trumpet as if lie would move heaven and 
earth by its sonorous notes. 

Rising and his pathy troops, could not withstand this inspired 
phalanx. O ! how animated was Mr. Irving in pointing to this 
striking representation of a scene so inimitably delineated by 
his fertile and vivid imagination. It seems now as if he were 
still at our side pointing out the attractions of a painting, he 
must have valued above any of those of the greatest schools of 
art, in design at least. 

His estimation of the production of the young artist must 
have been in proportion to its accuracy of display of the out- 
lines of the scene whence it was drawn. Let us see from his 
own pen some of these. Such were the mighty events at Fort 
Christina. 

" The immortal deities who whilom had seen service at the 
"affair" of Troy, now mounted their feather bed clouds, and 
sailed over the plain, or mingled among the combatants in dif- 
ferent disguises. Jupiter sent off his thunderbolt to a noted 
coppersmith, to have it polished for the direful occasion. All 
was silent hoi ror, or bustling preparation ; war reared his hor- 
rid front, gnashing loud his iron fangs, and shook his direful 
crest of bristling bayonets. And now the mighty chieftains 
marshalled out their hosts. Here stood stout Rising, firm as 
a thousand rocks. His artillery consisted of two swivels and a 
caronade. His valiant infantry lined the breast work in grim 
array, each having his mustachios fiercely greased, and his hair 
pomatumed back, and qued so stiffly that he grinned above th^ 
ramparts like a grizly death's head. 



16 

Then came on the intrepid IJard-kopping Piet, his brows 
Knit, his tectli clenched, his breath held hard, rushing on like 
ten thousand bulls of Bashan. His faithfnl squire, Yan Cor- 
lear, trudged valiently at his heels, with his trumpet gorgeously 
bedecked with red and yellow ribbands, the remembrances of 
his fair mistresses at Manhattoes. Then came on his sturdy com- 
rades, swarming like the Myrmydoms of Achilles. There w^ei'e 
the Yan AYycks, and the Yan Dycks, and the Ten Eycks, the 
Yan Warts, the Yan Winkles, ifec, &c." 

Petrus with a little sturdy stone pottle, leveled to the dust 
the c^io-antic Swede. " His fall was the sio^nal of defeat and 
victory." The Swedes gave way, the Dutch pressed forward, 
the former took to their heels, the latter hotly pursued. Thus, 
in a little w^hile, the impregnable fortress of Fort Christina, 
which, like another Troy, had stood a seige of full ten hours, 
was finally carried by assault, without the loss of a single man 
on either side. 

It was universally declared by ail the writers whom Stuyves- 
ant hired to WTite the history of , his expedition, that on this 
memorable day he had gained a sufficient quantity of glory to 
immortalize a dozen of the greatest heroes of Christendom. 

We left the room after sui-veying this representation of war, 
to see in the adjoining one a relic of him "who was first in war, 
first in peace, and first in the hands of his countrymen." This 
was a pair of "green glasses," once used by Washington. By 
one. who, v^hile he was but a babe, iniparted to him his blessing 
in humble prayer. His nurse exclaims, "here's a bairn that 
was named after ye." This was in a shop in Broadway, New 
York. 

This reminds us of an old nurse upwards of 90 years o!<l, 
when we knew her, and who lived in the house in which siic 
was born, Portsmouth, N. H., who placed Capt. Storer, U. S. N., 
when an infant, in Wasliington's arms, when on a visit to 
that place. Nurses, as well as lieroes, must show their ambition. 



. 17 

Ah, little then did that great and good man think that this 
little one to whom he imparted a patriarch's blessing, wonld 
close his labor, as the great Magician of the western continent, 
in writing his biography. 

The weathercock left to an illustrious Association, was a 
memento of that stern Governor, who once presided in that 
antiquated Hall, the seat of justice. This he highly esteemed, ^ 
but his preference was for the relic of more recent date ; because 
it was a souvenir of one, whose virtues were in his apprehen- 
sion, superior to those of the hero of 'New Amsterdam. Were 
Irving the "meanest, as well as the greatest of mankind," we 
could not respect or love him. But as he took the example of 
one, whose relic he esteemed above all others, in his rural home, 
and from the fact that he considered the character of "Washing- 
ton pre-eminent in all that ennobles man, we give to him our 
w^armest affections, and we trust we portray not in vain to the 
youth of our country, the eminent virtues of one, whose example 
as they march over the wide fields of life, will be like the Polar 
Star to the bewildered traveler at night, a sure guide. 

Irving was sensible of the influence " of example for weal or 
for wo," when he remarks that, that of Witiza made all Spain 
to sin. He sought for knowledge to enrich his works from every 
department of the grand storehouse of creation. How often was 
the fire of his genius enkindled on the altar of nature. "The 
works of the Lord are great, and sought out of all those that 
have pleasure therein." Such did he indeed seek, and select 
the most beautiful to heighten the native charms of his retreat. 
At the east side of his cottage was a beautiful shrub, transplant- 
ed from " Melrose Abbey." This, we presume, called the ivy, 
has been diffused by culture all over his grounds. There, truly, 
amid pure fountains and groves, vocal with nature's songsters^ 

" The intelleckia,! power, 
On the mind's throne, SHspends his gi^ver cares, 
A'ld smiles." 

How common to eulogize the great patriot of Eome, who, af- 
ter conquering the enemies of the Republic, retired to the cul- 



18 

ture of his farm. But behold, one far more conspicuous than 
he, for while Cincinnatus sought retirement after the slaughter 
of his fellow men, Irving left the wide fields of literature, where 
he had long been subduing the weeds of i ignorance and vice, to 
find repose in the shades of rural life. He, however, renewed 
vigorously his scientific labors in retirement. 

What a change in public sentiment, as relates to farming 
since Yirgil wrote his Georgics ? Then the pursuit was rather 
disreputable. But now, here, as in England, Agriculture is 
considered as the chief interest of the countrj^, and gentlemen 
of the highest standing and education, political influence and 
wealth, take a direct and personal interest in it. 

How striking the remarks of Bryant in his Agricultural ode: — 

Far back in the ages. 
The plough with wreaths was crowned ; 
The hand of kings and sage?:, 
Entwined the chaplet round. 

Honour waits, o'er all the earth 
Through endless generations ; 
The act that calls the harvest forth, 
And feeds the expectant nations. 

Mr. Irving told us it was one of the happiest circumstances 
of his life, that he had come to cultivate his farm of some 20 
acres, for, says he, by farming exercise I have recovered my 
health. He drove his own team when he took us in his carriage. 
His glory was work, both physical and intellectual. 

Alas ! for the want of exercise, too many of both sexes en- 
gaged in study lose their health. Many are like the students 
the late Dr. Dwight, of Yale, alluded to, when he said, it was 
the most difficult task to get scholars to exercise. 

Ah ! if happiness is our being's end and aim, exercise is one 
grand means of attaining the destined goal. To recover health, 
well do we recollect that one of our now prominent Bishops, 
once went on foot from Schenectady to Niagara Falls. For the 
attaining and preservation of health, other observances also are 
requisite, as due attention to diet. 

/ As we were strolling along the banks of that lovely brook, 
filled with iiucks of all colors, we at length stopped at the twin 



19 

trees^ where, like Isaac, he often came to nieditate. There we 
asked him what were his habits as to diet. 

We asked the question moreover, from the fact that many 
suppose literary men should be more particular as to their food, 
than other classes. He replied, "I eat what is set before me." 
Would that all would obey the Apostolical injunction. 

Alas ! how many destroy their health by taking their food, 
and that of particular kinds, with all the precision they would 
take medicine. Man is an omniverous animal, and he should 
use all kinds of food with moderation. We recollect that at the 
height of the rage to adopt the Graham System, a lady of East 
Cambridge, Mass., remarked that there were quite a number in 
the Insane Asylum, who were made inmates from destroying 
their health and reason by this unnatural system of Hygiene ! 

And while the fertile imagination of Irving enveloped Com- 
munipaw in dense clouds of tobacco smoke, which thereby sav- 
ed it from the assaults of the invading foe, made one of the 
Dutch Governor's evince his anger by the rapid movements of 
his short pipe, and the amorous boor to seek the affection of his 
" lady love," by enveloping her in the fumes of his pipe, we had 
the curiosity to ask him if he was fond ot imitating his heroes. 
He replied, "I do not smoke." 

It is said the burlesque of Cervantes, against Chivalry as 
personated in Don Quixote, proved its downfall; but such w^as 
not the result of Irving's satires on the use of tobacco, for in 
one year its use in ]^ew York city amounted to $5,840,000. 

Tliis weed so indispensible to the repose of Irving's array of 
worthies, was employed in a manner in the old dominion, as to 
have been a fit subject, also for his burlesque pen, — whether 
thus employed for that locality we know not. 

There, in earlier times, the young men depended upon the 
importation of females from the other side of the Atlantic for 
wives, and as soon as they arrived, not under the necessity of 
achieving glory, in feats of "tilt and tournament," to secure tlie 
fairest, they purchased such in paying from 100 to 150 lbs. of 
tobacco for each ! 



20 

If so many uses have been niade of the plant, we wonder not 
that the most remarkable writer known, in burlesque style, 
should have so often amused his readers by the keen shafts of 
ridicule in regard to its use. 

Who does not love to read the account of the talented and 
lamented Carter, of a visit to the farm of Lafayette, about 40 
miles east of Paris ! 

This circular farm of 500 acres has the venerable chateau in 
the centre, surrounded with fosse. If this was once the home of 
of the Baron of Feudal times, whose business was war, it latterly 
was the quiet one of the illustrious farmer, and Mr. C, found 
the patriot of both hemispheres, amusing himself in making a 
*' pig sty." 

So Mr. Irving took us into his yard and showed us his choice 
selections of poultry. With his own hands he took up the lar- 
gest hen we ever saw, for our own special observation ; and he 
said, from his own poultry yard, he had between three and four 
thousand eggs yearly. 

Mr. Irving was a practical man, and he must have thought 
with Washington, that "whatever was worth doing, should be 
done well." Order, elegance and beauty, pervaded all parts of 
his little domain. 

His desire to excel even in rural pursuits, is imitated by very 
many of our first gentlemen here and elsewhere. 

"Employment," as Paley says, is everything. To be happy, 
the mind and body must be engaged in some useful pursuit. 

The Roman Emperors were so convinced of this fact, that 
after tlie empire became mistress of the world, to keep soldiers 
out of the excesses to which idleness leads, opened various 
avenues of amusement. 



21 

In going through our cities, founded by the Dutch, it is rather 
a melancholy reflection that so few of those old houses are left 
that impress the mind as indices of the Knickerbocker charactei-. 




lUVIXG^S HOUSE AT SUXXVSIDK. 

But the cottage at Suunyside is the oldest of this class in the 
State. We presume, irom its connexion with one so eminent 
in the ] anks of literature, it will long CbCajDe the ravages of im- 
provement, " Procul hoste !' This humble dwelling is far more 
worthy of preservation than that of the bard of Avon, — as 
works of instruction and amusement are far more important 
than the mere histrionic . The Kaaba, or "sacred house" of 
Mahommed, enshrined in the great Mosque at Mecca, the Mus- 
sulmen suppose was built by angels, but no such supposition is 
attached to the origin of Wolfert's Eoost. 

It was successively inhabited by the ruder class, long before 
it was improved and occupied by its last owner. 

" The La-e degenerate iron offajn-insf ends, 
A golden progeny from lieavcn descends." 

* The above representation of the Roost was executed by W. J. Rlitchell, liuflalo. Its artistic 
outlines show his superiority as an artist. 



22 

Here once lived Wolfert Acker, privy counsellor to Guveraor 
Stuyvcsant, and from liim whose motto was " lust and rust,"' 
(ease and good,) and which was afterwards corrupted to "Eoost." 
And here once lived Yan Tassel. He lived in the times of the 
Eevolution, and was a staunch rebel. This region, was in fact, 
the neutral ground between the British in the South, and the 
Colonists in the Korth. It was the grand marauding arena, 
where were the exploits of the skinners and cow boys, claiming 
to serve respectively under the flags of either power. The 
'' Eoost," on coming next into the possession of Mr. Irving, was 
called "Sunnyside." 

We presume he gave a name to iiis new home, that in itself, 
as well as all surrounding objects, would reflect his dominant 
habit cheerfulness. That smile ever generated by living nnder 
the fostering care of heaven, and the loveliness of creation, was 
always reflected on all around. 

We might as well think of adding perfume to the rose, as to 
attempt to add fresh honors to Irving, by any remarks we can 
make. We gave him one of our small jDroductions, and told 
him we thought it but a drop from the ocean of our gratitude. 

His writings are like the atmosphere we inhale, the property 
and admiration of all np.tions who can apj)reciate what is beau- 
tiful, and instructive in style. 

We can only say, we have had many long hours beguiled of 
their weariness, by the " ease and grace of his mellow, flowing, 
and softly tinted style." 

The father of Mr. Irving was from Scotland, and his mother 
was an English lady. He was born in New York, in a house 
that once stood corner of William and Fnlton streets. He was 
born April 3rd, 1Y83, and died in ISTovember, 1859. 

As with hiin, so all things change. 

Now, the works of^art, as the Eail Koad in the West, and 
Croton Water Works in the East, have marred the beauty of 
the scene. The latter he considered the greatest work of tlie 
kind in the world. 



23 

In all coming time, how great must be the number of pil- 
grims to a place once the happy home of one whom all nations 
respect and love. And they 

The name of Irving oft inscribed shall see. 
In every grove and every vocal tree. 

Eat alas ! that snn that animated this enchanting spot, has 
set to rise in fairer and immortal climes ; but stijl his beams 
linger as on the mountain tops, to cheer all who once beheld in 
rapture his noon day glory. 

And here we are reminded of the iionor our government has 
won to itself, in having employed such men as Irving in the 
iirst embassies to foreign courts. It shows a due appreciation 
of the importance of knowledge. Intelligence, indeed, is the 
grand foundation of our glorious Republic. Where this is 
wanting in the countries South, the waves of anarchy are per- 
petually desolating some of the fairest portions of the earth. 

As Washington was the political, as has been well said, so is 
his namesake, the literary Father of hi« Country. Yes, and we 
hope the commemoration of the birth day of the latter will be 
continuous with that of the former. 

For what is liberty without light? Is not intelligence the 
life of liberty. 

We may as well lorsake gratitude, love and truth, as to for- 
get those virtues that still shine on earth, and even to w^here all 
intellectual light and good eminate. 

And we rejoice that the New York Historical Society, lately 
celebrated with appropriate ceremonies, the birth of Irving. 

We cannot close our work as apj)ropriately as by an extract 
from Wm. Cullen Bryant's eulogy on Mr. Irving : 

'• I have thus set before you, my friends, with such measures of 
ability as I possess, a rapid and imperfect sketch of the life and 
genius of Washington Irving. Other hands will yet give the 
world a bolder, more vivid and exact, a more distinctive por- 
traiture. In the meantime, when I consider for how many years 
he stood before the world as an author, with a still increasing- 
fame — half a century in this most changeful of centuries — I 



24 

/ 
cannot liesitate to predict for him a deathless renown. / Since 

he bei^an to write, empires have risen and passed away;- mighty 
captains have appeared on the stage of the w^orld, performed 
their part, and been called to their account ; wars have been 
fought and ended, which have changed the destinies of the hu- 
man race. New arts have been invented and adopted, and 
have pushed the old out of use; the household economy of half 
mankind has undergone a revolution. Science has learned a 
new dialect and forgotten the old ; the chemist of 1800 would 
be a vain babbler among his brethren of the present day, and 
would in turn become bewildered in the attempt to understand 
them. Kation utters speech to nation in the words that pass 
from reahn to realm with the speed of light. Distant countries 
have been made neighbors ; the Atlantic ocean has become a 
narrow frith, and the Old World and New shake hands across 
it ; the East and West look it at each other's windows. In his 
pages we see that the language of the heart never becomes ob- 
solete ; that Truth and G4)od and Beauty, the offspring of God, 
are not subject to the changes which beset the inventions of men. 
If it were becoming at this time, and in this assembly, to ad- 
dress our departed friend as if in his immediate presence, I 
would say : '^Farewell, thou who hast entered into the rest pre- 
pared, from the fnmdation of the world, for serene aiid gentle 
spirits like thine. Farewell, happy in thy life, happy in thy 
death, happier in the reward to vvliich that death was the assur- 
ed passage ; fortunate in attracting the admiration of the world 
to thy beautiful writings ; still more fortunate in having written 
nothing which did not tend to promote the reign of magnani- 
mous ibrbearance and generous sympathies among thy fellow 
men. The brightness of that enduring fame which thou hast 
w^on on earth is but a shadowy symbol of that glory to which 
thou hast been admitted in the world beyond the grave. Thy 
errand upon earth was an errand of peace and good will to man, 
and thou art now in a region v/here hatred and strife never en- 
ter, and where the harmonious activity of those who inhabit it, 
acknowledges no impulse less noble or less pure than that of love." 



20Aii^ IHfio 







^f-J 



r':^v^\ 



Strangers to the Author's former vjorks, may judge by the folloiolng references of 
what they may expect froTn the present one. 

JS^Ew YoKK, March 31, 1847. 
Tlie subscriber Laving lieard, witii ruiicli pleasure, the Lectures on "Antiqui- 
ties of America." delivered by Professor Davis, before the Pupils, Teachers and 
Professors of our Seuiiiuirv, clieerfullj recommends the same to the citizens of 
this city. " J. F. SCHROEDER, 

Rector of St. Ann's Hall. 
We are also happy in joining in the above recommendation. 

Hon. JOHN DLTER, Hon. MUHKAY HOFFMAN, 

Maj. Gen. EDMUND P. GAINES, STEPHEN H. TVNG, D. D. 
GARDINER SPRING, D. D. HENRY P. TAPPAN, D. D, 

New York, June 9. 1816. 
The Principal and Pupils of Mr, Charles Candee's Boarding School, (LaFay- 
ette Place,) were highly gratified in hearing the eloquent and instructive Lecture 
of Professor Davis, "Corresponding Member of the N. Y. Historical Society." 
We highly recommend him to the attention of other Institutions. 

CHARLES CANDEE. 
VIRGINIA OLIVIA, Mobile Alabama, 
MARIGUATA RODRIGUAS, Buenos Ay res. 
ANGELITA TRACY, Lima. Peru. 
CHARLOTTE ANTHON. New York. 

And forty-six other>- 



rinLAUKLi'iiiA, Dec. 7, 1839. 
Sir: — I attended, a few days since, your Lectures in this city, "On the Dis- 
covery by the Northmen," and derived great pleasure from Xhc same. 

Being by birth a Northman, and having for some years studied many of the 
old Icelandic documents concerning this intere.sting subject, 1 hesitate not to say 
that your Lecture is compiled with much care and labor, and cannot but be in- 
teresting and instructive to all persons. 

Your obedient servant, . C. D. ARFWEDSON, 

U. S. Consul at Stockholm. 



From J/rs. Willard, of Troy. 
" Mr. Davis has delivered an interesting and instructive Lecture, relating to 
the history of our r-'** in try, to members of the Troy FemiJe Seminary." 

^ . ~. T" 

From the late distinguished Ornithologist. 

I have read the *• Antiquities of Central America, and 1h« Discovery of New 
England by the Northmen five hundred years before Columbus," by A. Davis, 
with ex :ue pleasure and satisfaction ; and I feel much indebted to that learned 
gentleman for all that he lias said on this most interesting subject, in his memora- 
ble lecture above mentioned, and I trust that it will be as highly appreciated by 
all who peruse it as by myself. I take this opportunity to offer to Mr. Davis my 
sincere thanks for his goodness to me, and have great pleasure in subscribing my- 
eelf his friend and respectful humble servant. JOHN J, AUDUBON . 

To A. D.A.VIS, formerly Chaplain of the Senate, &c., N. Y. 

From 3IaJor Gen. Jcsuj), If. S. A . 

I have attended the Lecture of Rev. Mr. Davis, on the '■ Discovery of America 
by the Northmen," with much pleasure and profit; and I respectfully recom- 
mend him to the patronage of teachers, and of the public generally. 

Washington Citv. Mar. 23, iSiO. THOMAS S. JESUP. 



Professor A. Davis, of Buffalo, who some years since lectured before a very, 
distinguished audience in this city, on tlie " Antiquities of America," proposes 
to deliver a lecture on the great discoveries lately made in the Eastern Continent, 
as at Babylon, Nineveh, Persia, &c. The former success of Professor Davis in 
tliis city, and the very high estimation in which he is held by the literary and 
scientific circles of New Y(nk and other principal American cities, will be his 
best introduction to our readers. — Toronto Daily Patriot, March 27, 1851. 



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